impose
Americanverb (used with object)
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to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc..
to impose taxes.
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to put or set by or as if by authority.
to impose one's personal preference on others.
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to obtrude or thrust (oneself, one's company, etc.) upon others.
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to pass or palm off fraudulently or deceptively.
He imposed his pretentious books on the public.
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Printing. to lay (type pages, plates, etc.) in proper order on an imposing stone or the like and secure in a chase for printing.
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to lay on or inflict, as a penalty.
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Archaic. to put or place on something, or in a particular place.
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Obsolete. to lay on (the hands) ceremonially, as in confirmation or ordination.
verb (used without object)
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to make an impression on the mind; impose one's or its authority or influence.
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to obtrude oneself or one's requirements, as upon others.
Are you sure my request doesn't impose?
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to presume, as upon patience or good nature.
verb phrase
verb
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(tr) to establish as something to be obeyed or complied with; enforce
to impose a tax on the people
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to force (oneself, one's presence, etc) on another or others; obtrude
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(intr) to take advantage, as of a person or quality
to impose on someone's kindness
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(tr) printing to arrange pages so that after printing and folding the pages will be in the correct order
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(tr) to pass off deceptively; foist
to impose a hoax on someone
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(tr) (of a bishop or priest) to lay (the hands) on the head of a candidate for certain sacraments
Other Word Forms
- imposable adjective
- imposer noun
- overimpose verb (used with object)
- preimpose verb (used with object)
- reimpose verb
Etymology
Origin of impose
First recorded in 1475–85; late Middle English, from Middle French imposer, equivalent to im- im- 1 + poser “to stop, cease”; pose 1; pose 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The courthouse was packed with family members on Friday, who asked the judge to impose the maximum 50-year sentence.
From BBC
The EPA acknowledged this concern as real but said that by imposing certain restrictions, such as reducing the amount used and avoiding application in higher temperatures, it was safe.
From Barron's
After Friday’s talks, the U.S. imposed sanctions on 15 entities, two people and 14 vessels involved in the illegal oil and petrochemical trade.
The bill would impose price caps on tickets sold in the resale market, limiting prices to no more than 10% above the ticket’s face value.
From Los Angeles Times
The militants wanted residents to renounce the Nigerian government and its constitution and instead follow their teachings, effectively attempting to impose a parallel system of rule and government in the area.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
